Hello, I just recently picked up a small travel trailer (4400 lbs gvwr) and wen towing it home I had to go through some pretty hilly terrain. The coolant temp started rising on the grades so I kept backing off the speed to keep the coolant under 230F. I was wondering if this is normal to see it get up this high with such a light trailer. Do I have a problem or was I just trying to push it too hard. I don't want to mess anything up but I also don't want to wast a bunch of time going really slow up hills if it is not necessary, does anyone know the max safe temps for the coolant and tranny? The truck is a 2010 ram 1500 crew 4.7L with I believe 3.55 gears with 285/75r17s with 120k on the odometer.

 

Did you push the button for tow/haul mode? That will help a bit. (but, doesn't help fuel mileage......)

 

Yes I left it in tow mode the whole time. Temps stayed about 215 in tow mode on light inclines and flat terrain.

 

What was outside temp??

Seems to me, it's getting awful warm, and the 4.7s are just not friendly with that. Still the original water pump? Radiator? Coolant been flushed recently??

 

It was high 80s. Still original everything as far as I know. I've had it since 70k. I am planning on getting a flush done soon defenantly before the next time I tow. It was mid 90s today and ac full blast not towing it wouldn't get over 204. Maybe I just need more cooling capacity? I'm really not sure. When it got up to 230 on the trip as soon as we crested the incline it would cool right down. It would drop to 195 then settle about 210. This was all on the screen. I didn't think to look where it was on the dial guage though.

 

I think both indicators get their info from the same place.

Try the flush first, see if that makes any difference. If not, then maybe a larger radiator would be in order.

 

Thanks! I'll give it a try and see what happens.